St. Paul offers small-town living in central Nebraska
Named after a pair of brothers who first surveyed the area in the late 1800s, St. Paul is a quiet community set within central Nebraska's boundless farmland. "It's a small town and community driven area," says Brenda Starkey, a local Realtor with Mach 1 Realty and longtime resident who has four years of selling experience in the area. "We have a great school system, fantastic medical facility and are close to anything anyone would need." While its rural location lends itself to a quiet atmosphere, residents stay active between annual events, Little League games and connecting with nature along nearby rivers.
Rivers, parks and sports fields offer year-round recreation
St. Paul’s location between the North Loup and South Loup rivers offers abundant ways to spend time on the water. “Fishing is popular here, and people airboat, kayak and tube,” Starkey says. “Most will launch onto the river next to the bridges.” North Loup State Recreation Area offers a public boat ramp for large watercraft. Locals also spend time hunting on public land surrounding the area. City Park has a playground and open space for pick-up games, and will receive a new picnic shelter and musical-themed playground in November 2025. Grover Cleveland Ball Fields stay busy with baseball practices and games. “Youth sports are huge here,” Starkey says. “It’s pretty much a seven days a week thing.” St. Paul Water Park is open throughout summer, and St. Paul Country Club offers a 9-hole course open to the public.
Housing ranges from vintage bungalows to midcentury ranches
Homes in St. Paul come in a wide range of architectural styles. Many homes near downtown are cottages and bungalows from the first half of the 20th century. Ranch styles become more dominant along streets closer to the area’s outskirts, with build dates spanning the latter half of the century. Mature oak and elm trees line the grid-like streets, and sidewalks run throughout the bulk of the community. Depending on size and condition, prices range from $150,000 to $400,000.
Residents dine locally and head to Grand Island for big-box stores
Locally owned businesses along Howard Avenue form St. Paul’s downtown stretch. Country Cage is a casual bar where patrons can enjoy a draft beer while watching a game. “Frida’s Mexican Cuisine is another popular place among locals,” Starkey says. Several chain fast-food restaurants are also available along U.S. Route 281. Hometown Market covers groceries, hauls and Dollar General sells daily essentials. Most residents head to Grand Island, 22 miles south, to shop big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
St. Paul Public Schools keeps guardians updated with newsletters
St. Paul Elementary School has a B rating on Niche, and St. Paul Junior/Senior High School receives a B-minus. St. Paul Public Schools is committed to producing a monthly newsletter that includes Students of the Month, upcoming events, extracurricular activities and other relevant information.
Summer events bring locals together
Howard County Fair gets locals together over five days in early July. The staple event features live music, tractor pulls and rodeo events like goat roping. Grover Cleveland Alexander Days (GCA Days) begins on the fair's last day. The weekend-long event honors the National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher who retired in the area. Festivities include local vendors, a classic car show, and competitions ranging from a softball tournament to duck racing.
State Route 92 and U.S. Route 281 support regional travel
State Route 92 is the area’s main east-west thoroughfare. U.S. Route 281 also passes through the community, stretching south into Grand Island, home to Central Nebraska Regional Airport. Howard County Medical Center is closer to home on Sherman Street.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
